Pneumothorax bei COVID-19-Erkrankung – Inzidenz und klinische Merkmale

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rarely occurring complication of viral pneumonia in COVID-19. The exact incidence and risk factors are still unclear. In the present work we examine the incidence and outcomes of more than 3,000 patients with pneumothorax who were admitted to our clinic with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of COVID-19 patients admitted to our clinic. To calculate the incidence of this event, patients diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax were identified and their clinical features were extensively documented. Clinical outcome data were collected. The individual cases are each presented in the form of a short summary. Results: Between March 1st and March 8th June 2020, 3368 patients with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia were admitted to our clinic; of these, 902 patients had a positive nasopharyngeal smear. Six COVID-19 patients who developed spontaneous pneumothorax were identified (0.66%). Baseline imaging showed diffuse bilateral frosted glass opacities and consolidations in these patients, predominantly in the posterior and peripheral lung regions. Four of the six patients were mechanically ventilated. Chest drainage was required in all patients. In all cases there was no direct relationship between the pneumothorax and mortality (66.6%). Conclusion: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare complication of viral pneumonia in COVID-19 that can occur without mechanical ventilation.